Disabilities Coordinator

ICW/Vulnerable Adults. This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation,

exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Disabilities Coordinator ensures that children with disabilities and their families receive all applicable program services delivered in the least restrictive possible environment to fully participate in program services. This position also provides individualized educational and family resources for parents and staff.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures the Disabilities Service Plan, and Program Policies & Procedures are implemented accordingly, administers, monitors, and revises the service plans, and policies as necessary.
• Trains all staff annually, to ensure staff are familiar with the current disabilities service plans, and policies and procedures.
• Ensures Birth-to-Five Head Start services to children with disabilities follow federal regulations and laws governing disabilities efforts as defined in IDEA and ADA.
• Provide outreach and enrollment for families and children with disabilities.
• Work with teachers to monitor and support development screening and assessment of children, ensuring required deadlines are being met.
• Collaborate with the teachers, Health Services Program, Mental Health & Special Education program.
• Obtain parent consent for referrals of eligible children to the Local Education Agency (LEA) or other community agencies for additional screening and assessments.
• Establish and maintain relationships with the LEA's, community agencies and other professional agencies to ensure delivery of special educational services.
• Ensure teachers are working with families to inform parents of the results of completed assessments.
• Ensure referrals are completed in a timely manner, and continually track, monitor, and follow up on all referrals using the Child Plus database.
• Collaborate with Education Supervisor and teachers regarding any issues with the referral process for special education.
• Develop and implement strategies to support parents as the primary educators of their child(ren); facilitate parent involvement in the referral process.
• Actively participate in the transitions of children entering and exiting the program.
• Participate in home visits, parent/teacher conferences, and child staffing, as needed.
• Oversee and coordinate all equestrian therapy services to eligible children, including maintaining a close, respectful, professional, and trusting relationship with staff at the Nisqually Tribe Ranch.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant discipline with two years of advanced professional level experience in an early childhood education/social service environment.

• OR Associates Degree in early childhood education with 5 years of advanced professional level experience in an early childhood environment, and willing to work towards Bachelors Degree in relevant discipline within 12 months of hire.

• Experience advocating for children and families during the Individual Family Services Plan and Individual Education Planning process.

• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.

• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.

• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in relevant discipline.
• Conducted early childhood assessments using specialized screening tools, i.e. ASQ's.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

• Professional expertise in specialty areas of Early Childhood Education/Development, Early Intervention and Early Childhood, Special Education Laws, and Services
• Knowledge of Head Start federal regulations, IDEA and ADA laws.
• Knowledge of maintaining federal and program records.
• Knowledge of curriculum development, academic planning methods,
• Knowledge of and the ability to identify learning styles and special educational learning needs.
• Knowledge of and experience with Child Plus/DRDP data system.
• CLASS certified.
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques.
• Ability to develop effective lesson plans.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

• Background Check:

I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

• Drug Screening:

I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.